Sri Lanka have dropped batsmen Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva from
the squad for the three-test series in India, starting next week, while
fit-again all-rounder Angelo Mathews has returned from injury.

Seamer Nuwan Pradeep was also omitted from the side
that beat Pakistan 2-0 in the United Arab Emirates with all-rounders
Dhananjaya de Silva and Dasun Shanaka drafted into the 15-man squad for
the series against the world’s top-ranked test team.

Widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s future batting
mainstay in the longest format, Mendis totalled just 58 in four innings
against Pakistan. Silva also had an underwhelming series and managed 67
runs in the two tests.

Former captain Mathews missed the series against
Pakistan with a calf strain and will add some experience and solidity to
the middle order against India, who blanked Sri Lanka 3-0 in the away
series earlier this year.

Kolkata’s Eden Garden will hosts the opening match
of the three-test series which will be followed by three one-day
internationals and as many Twenty20 matches between the neighbours.